To get a VAT refund at the airport, you must present your passport, completed Tax-Free forms/receipts from retailers, and the purchased goods (unused and in original packaging) to customs before checking in. Ensure you have your boarding pass and credit card ready, as the process may involve PABLO electronic kiosks or a specialized customs desk.
The details on how to get a refund vary per country, but generally you'll need to do the following: Have the merchant completely fill out the refund document; they'll need your passport (or a photo of it) to complete the form. Hang on to the paperwork and original sales receipt until you file it (see later).
🛫 At the Airport:
Present your original passport, tax invoices, completed refund forms, and purchased goods for customs inspection. After verification, the refund will be processed — either credited to your card or paid via a designated method, depending on the system in place at that airport.
Purchases in the checked-in baggage
Eligibility. International travelers who live outside the EU, are over 16 years old, and spend at least €100 in a single store on the same day are entitled to VAT refunds.
In the USA, the opportunity to claim a VAT refund is generally reserved for foreign businesses and tourists who have incurred VAT on eligible expenses within VAT-imposing countries. US businesses may also seek VAT refunds from their business expenses in these countries.
The application for a refund must be lodged with the VAT Refund Administrator's offices. These offices are situated at Johannesburg, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports, various land border posts and designated commercial harbours.
Common Tax Refunds UK Questions
To start a tax refund claim you will need the following information: Photo ID (driving license and passport) Or, if you only have one of these you can provide proof of address (bank statement, utility bill, or tax bill) P60 or payslip for each tax year you wish to claim for.
You should contact the retailer or refund agent about claims for refunds of VAT. Revenue does not administer the Retail Export Scheme or give refunds directly to tourists. Retailers or refund agents can direct enquiries to their Revenue office.
the United States does not participate in the VAT tax refund, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are not mandated to stamp VAT tax forms.
How to get paid a VAT refund. By completing your VAT Return online, HMRC will automatically calculate if you're due a VAT repayment for that accounting period. Once you submit your VAT Return, HMRC usually repays any VAT within 30 days. For more information, see HMRC's VAT Notice 700 guide.
When it comes to claiming VAT on travel expenses, the key is knowing what's eligible and what's not. While you can reclaim VAT on things like hotel stays, car hire, and fuel for company vehicles, other costs—such as flights and train tickets—are zero-rated, meaning there's no VAT to reclaim.
How long it takes. Repayments are usually made within 30 days of HMRC receiving your VAT Return. If HMRC is late in making your repayment, you may be entitled to repayment interest on any VAT that you are owed.
Receipts, tax-free tags, passport, credit card, and goods must be shown at validation kiosks or counters. 85% of VAT is refunded after deducting fees; paid via cash (limit AED 35,000) or card. Goods must be unused and carried with the traveller services, food, or used items don't qualify.
Certified copy of identity document; and. Original bank statement or ATM/internet generated statement or ABSA eStamped statement not more than three months old that confirms the account holder's name, bank name, account number, account type and branch code.
AT THE CUSTOMS AND VAT REFUND OFFICES Present the Tax Free for which you want to be refunded, the passport, the flight booking or boarding card and goods purchased and follow the procedure described on the next page.
Main Reasons VAT Refunds Are Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)
After you are done with the shopping and have collected the receipt for all the products, ask the shopkeeper for the VAT refund form. This is the form that you have to show at the customs and VAT refund desk at the airport to get your refund.
VAT refunds let tourists get back Value Added Tax paid on goods they buy in countries like the EU, requiring forms from stores, proof of export (customs stamp at the airport before checking bags), and claiming the refund at airport desks, usually for unused items taken home, though the US doesn't offer this. The process involves getting an exemption form, keeping goods unused with tags on, getting customs to validate forms (often pre-security), and then processing the refund with operators like Global Blue, allowing for cash or credit card returns minus fees.
You need to fill out the P85 form detailing your departure details and submit it along with the P45 form. If you are claiming a tax refund for employment expenses, you may also need to submit a P87 form. You have to submit these forms to the HMRC portal.
What more do I need to give for a refund?
Forms W-2, 1099 or other information returns
To obtain a VAT refund, you must be a non-EU resident and spend at least 100 €. With the traditional way, you have to shop this amount in a single store on the same day. At the moment of purchase, request a “tax-free form” from the vendor.
Keep accurate records
To claim back VAT, you need maintain a VAT account, including the summary of VAT you've charged and paid. You also need valid VAT invoices from your suppliers to make a claim. Make sure your records are complete and up to date, including all receipts and invoices.
You'll need to include: